Adaptor assembly for a typewriter and keycap therefor



March 22, 1966 M. s. DIAMOND 3,241,649

ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A TYPEWRITER AND KEYCAP THEREFOR Filed May 4, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 OOOOOOGOO IN VENTOR.

March 22, 1966 M. s. DIAMOND 3,241,649

OR A TYPEWRIT Filed y 4, 1964 4 Sh eeee -Sheet 2 March 22, 1966 s DIAMOND 3,241,649

ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A TYPEWRITER AND KEYGAP THEREFOR Filed May 4, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 74 H figfl%ll/Q/ 3%?%/+u 1??? I71 90 I r 5 180 wmwwww 89 19 13 1612 /72 7O 73 INVENTOR.

March 22, 1966 M. s. DIAMOND 3,241,649

ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A TYPEWRITER AND KEYGAP THEREFOR Filed May 4, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WWW IN VENTOR United States Patent 3,241,649 ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A TYPEWRITER AND KEYCAP THEREFOR Mitchell Stuart Diamond, Brooklyn, N.Y. (9 Maiden Lane, New York, N.Y.) Filed May 4, 1964, Ser. No. 364,374 1 Claim. (Cl. 19719) The present invention relates to an adaptor assembly for a typewriter and it particularly relates to a method of adapting a typewriter to an electric ten key calculator, of which the following is a specification.

This invention enables proof reading typewritten numerical material for typographical errors and it provides a method by which the typist can tell if the numbers copied from a precalculated worksheet are correctly typed, thus eliminating the need for further proof reading.

The principle of the invention is to make use of an existing typewriter, link the typewriter to an electric ten key calculator or other device, and provide a method of selectively operating the calculator.

The main object of this invention is the method of linking the typewriter to thhe calculator for calculating or coding the numerals applied thereto.

This is preferably achieved by replacing, or securing to, the numerical key caps of the typewriter an electrical switch device and particularly a key cap switch.

A feature of the invention resides in the use of a two-stage foot switch for selectively operating the calculator firstly to activate the key cap switches to enter the corresponding number typed into the calculator and secondly, to activate the calculator to effect a calculation.

In this procedure signals, such as guide lights, are actuated to assist the operator in the use of the invention.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description thereof wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a typical arrangement for the purpose of indicating the nature of the invention but without intending to limit the invention thereto.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the assembled components of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view showing a key cap switch as assembled as placed upon a typing key element.

F IG. 3 is a diagrammatic wiring diagram.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view upon the line 44 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, a typewriter 1 and an electric ten key calculator 131 are placed on a table 5 or in close proximity to each other so as to allow the operator using the typewriter 1 to see the calculator tape 137 and to have easy access to the total bar 134 on the calculator 131.

A two-stage foot switch 69 which may be replaced by two switches or one switch for each calculator, is connected electrically to a series of solenoids 171, 172 in a housing 143 (see FIG. 4) beneath the calculator 131. The typewriter 1 is positioned alongside of the calculator 131 so that an operator while sitting in a normal typing position can easily depress the foot switch 69 while operating the typewriter.

The original worksheet 110 (such as an invoice or statement) is placed next to the typewriter 1 so that the operator can read the worksheet 110 and type the material 6 in the typewriter 1.

The worksheet 110 requires the typing of general material together with a series of figures that have been added and totaled. A guide light 89 of FIG. 3 is connected electrically to the first stage of the foot switch 69 and 'ice is placed on the table 5 above the worksheet and above the position where the series of precalculated figures is shown.

Another guide light 92 on the calculator is connected electrically to the second stage of the footswitch 69. The light 92 is mounted on the face of the housing 143 of the calculator.

Numeral key cap switches 11 of FIG. 2 connected electrically to the series of solenoids 171 in the housing 143 replace the conventional numeral key caps of the typewriter 1.

In the embodiment shown, the calculator 131 has ten number key bars 132, an addition bar 133, a total bar 134 and a tape 137. The source of power for the motor of the calculator and for the solenoids 171, 172 comes from the power line 138-139 which may be replaced by a battery.

The operation of the calculator 131 requires first the selection of a number by depressing a numeral key bar 132, followed by depressing of the add bar 133 to eifect the adding entry into the calculator 131 and to print it on the tape 137. The total of a series of entries is obtained by pressing the total bar 134 producing the printed total on the tape 137. a

In a housing 143 below the enclosure frame of the calculator 131 are housed the series of solenoids 171, 172 mounted by a bracket and screws 181 on a plate 145 above the base 144 of the calculator enclosure.

Each solenoid 171 actuates a particular number bar 132 of the calculator 131 and one solenoid 172 actuates the add bar 133 of the calculator 131.

The solenoids 171, 172 (see FIG. 3) each have a plunger or armature 173 with a connecting rod 174 secured to the top of the plunger 173 by rivets 182. The plungers 173 and their connecting rods 174 are normally maintained in raised position as a result of being connected to the part 135 of the calculator mechanism. When the solenoids 171, 172 are energized, the plunger 173 will be drawn downwardly causing a movement of the connecting rod 174 and the part 135.

The connecting rods 174 are so shaped that one end connected to part 135 of the calculator 131 when the solenoid 171, 172 is energized, will effect the operation of the calculator 131 in the same way as if the number bars 132 or the adding bar 133 were pressed by a finger.

The solenoids 171 (see FIG. 3) in conjunction with the number bars 132 of the calculator are energized when the electric circuit is completed through circuit wire 176 and circuit wire 177.

The wires 176 are connected to a common line 74 which is open in the foot switch 69 at the open contacts 70 and 71. Contact 70 is connected to the power line 138 and within the "foot switch 69 are two sets of contacts 70 and 71 and 72 and 73 which are in a normally open position. When light pressure is applied to the foot switch 69 by stepping downwards, the first set of contacts 70, 71 close.

The second set of contacts 72, 73 are closed by continuing the downward foot pressure. Both sets of contacts open when the pressure on the foot switch is released.

Circuit wires 177 from each of the solenoids 171 are interrupted by open contacts 12, 13 within the key cap switches 12, 13, 16 on the typewriter 1 (see FIG. 2). The movable vertically reciprocatory head 11 which has replaced the numeral key caps of the typewriter, consists of a mounting head 14 slotted at 26 as to fit over the fiat typing key shaft 15 of the typewriter 1.

The design of the mounting head 14 and other parts of the structure 11 may 'be altered.

On the top of the mounting head 14 is a contact bar 3 16 which when closed against the contacts 12, 13 will close the circuit between line 177 and line 139.

Line 177 and line 139 enter the inside area of the switch through opening 17 in the rear of the enlarged head 18 of the structure 11 and lead to the contacts 12, 13. On the top surface 19 will appear the same number, letter or symbol of the original typewriter key cap which the structure 11 has replaced.

The contacts 12, 13 are separated from the contact 16 by the two springs 20. A depending sleeve 21 extends downwards and the lower portion thereof has the inturned projection or projections 22. The head 18 is held onto the mounting head 14 by a leaf spring 23 which keys into the mounting head 14 at 24. The spring 23 extends between the projection 22 and the head 14 and is reversely bent at 25 as to engage the projection 22. The spring 23 will limit reciprocating movement of the head 18 and hold it in position, while permitting ready closure of the circuit 12-13-16.

The structure 11 will act as the number key cap and when the structure 11 is pressed, the springs 20 will be compressed to close the contacts 12, 13 against the contact bar 16 thus closing the switch 12, 13, 16 to energize a corresponding solenoid 171. This will enter the corresponding number bar of the calculator 131. In a continuation of the finger pressure the key shaft of the typewriter will continue downwards causing the typewriter to type the number on the sheet 6. When the number is typed the finger pressure is released and the switch 12, 13, 16 will be opened by the springs 20.

A light bulb 89 positioned above the original worksheet 110 has a circuit wire 90 connected to the foot switch 69 through contact 71 and through line 74. Circuit wire 91 is connected to line 139. Thus, when the first set of contacts 70, 71 within the footswitch 69 is closed, the electrical circuit to the bulb 89 is completed, and the bulb will light. This light will indicate that now, if a switch 12, 13, 16 is closed, it will energize a corresponding solenoid 171 to actuate the same number bar in the calculator 131.

Solenoid 172 in conjunction with the addition bar 133 of the calculator 131 is actuated when the electric circuit is completed through conducting wire 180 and conducting wire 179 if the footswitch is fully down, closing the second stage 7273. Circuit wire 180 is interrupted at contact 72, in the foot switch 69. Contact 73 is connected to the line 138. Conducting wire 179 of the solenoid 172 connects to the line 139. The solenoid 172 to effect the actuation of the add bar 133 of the calculator 131 and print on the tape 137, will be energized when the second set of contacts 72, 73 are closed in the foot switch 69.

A light bulb 92 is mounted on the side of the houseing 143. Circuit wire 93 is connected to the foot switch 69 at contact 72. Circuit wire 94 is connected to line 139. Thus when the second set of contacts 72, 73 within the foot switch 69 is closed, the light 92 will light indicating that the solenoid 172 has operated the add bar 133 of the calculator 131 with printing of the tape 137.

The use of a foot switch to achieve particular operations will not interfere with the normal typing operation. It is only when a number is to be fed to the calculator that the foot switch 69 is pressed to the first stage. Then the bulb 89 will light, so the switches 12, 13, 16 if pressed, will energize a corresponding solenoid 171 to actuate the number bar of the calculator 131. A further depression of the foot switch 69 will light bulb 92 and will energize solenoid 172 to print the number on the tape 137 of the calculator 131.

When the pressure on the foot switch 69 is in open position, the switches 12, 13, 16 will not be able to energize a solenoid 171, and there will be no carry over into the calculator 131.

After a series of numbers have been carried over into the calculator, the operator may press the total bar 134 on the calculator 131 and compare the total on the tape 137 to the total on the original worksheet 110. The foot switch 69 is the simplest means by which the operator can alternately activate coupling between the typewriter and the calculator on and off without having to alter the typing pattern in any way.

The typewriter 1 to which the structures 11 are attached in this illustration is a portable or standard or electric typewriter having all the number keys in the upper row. The typewriters than can be used are not confined to the kind illustrated.

Since the only refinement to the typewriter is the removal of the original key caps, almost any typewriter can be fitted with a key cap switch. It is obvious that by this method other kinds of business machines can be adapted in a similar manner. The switches can be removed and the original key caps can be replaced to restore the typewriter to its original condition.

The calculator is capable of more operations than illustrated. Where a calculator is designed to be used in conjunction with this invention, those persons engaged in the manufacture of calculators may find it economical to make a calculator consisting only of those parts that are necessary.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications can be made as to the details of the actual construction without departing from the general scope of the invention.

The essential features of the invention are as follows:

(1) A calculator whose function is as a proof machine for a typewriter in billing or listing numerals.

(2) The use of a main switch as a means of operating the calculator when it is to be used as a proof machine.

(3) The use of guide lights arranged to assist the operator of the invention to indicate the coupling.

(4) The key cap switch which will not affect the normal appearance or operation of the typewriter.

(5) A key cap switch readily to replace the original key numeral or similar caps of the typewriter.

(6) A key cap switch containing an electrical switch to make and break a circuit to operate a calculator or other machine.

(7) A key cap switch which is wholly self contained and compact. In FIG. 2, 14 may be the standard typewriter key cap parts 11 to 24 assembled in a harness and snapped directly thereon.

The system of the present invention may also be applied to other equipment than a typewriter, such as for example, comptometers, adding machines, and other key operated business machines and the switch may be used on push button actuated machines in general.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, what is claimed is:

A coupling arrangement for actuation of a typewriter with simultaneous actuation of a calculator comprising a typewriter key cap having a switch therein actuated upon finger pressure thereon, a circuit energized by said switch, a reciprocating device actuated by said circuit in said calculator, said typewriter having a shaft and said key cap having a mounting head fixed on said shaft and a movable head, said movable head being movable relative to said mounting head and constituting an outside reciprocating enclosure for said mounting head and said switch, switch elements in said switch on the mounting head and the movable head and spaced coil spring means positioned between said mounting head and said movable head to separate said switch elements when finger pressure is not applied, said switch elements being positioned between the coil spring means and between the mounting head and the movable head and resilient means to limit the reciprocation'and prevent separation of the head and the enclosure, said switch cap being positioned on the numeral keys and means to electrically couple the numeral keys on t e typewriter and the numeral keys on the calculator, said means.

including a solenoid device on each calculator numeral key and circuit arrangements between the cap switch and the solenoid device to operate them together, and a main switch for connecting and disconnecting the typewriter and calculator, said main switch comprising a foot switch for first energizing the switch caps to energize the solenoid drivers for the numeral keys and secondly for energizing the solenoid driver for the printing bar and signal devices for indicating successively activation of the switch caps and the printing bar.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 482,015 9/1892 Lillard et al 197-5 X 920,940 5/1909 Ferry 197-19 X 938,354 10/1909 Tompkins 197-102 X Powers 197-19 X Nichols et a1 197-5 Tholstrup 197-19 Jarman 197-19 Gould 197-19 Klord 197-5 Holmes 197-19 X Henatsch 197-19 McDonough et a1 197-1 Henatsch 197-19 Holt 197-1 DAVID KLEIN, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, EDGAR S. BURR,

Assistant Examiners. 

